Jackie Spaulding, left, and Justis Lewis, right, clap during the ceremony for their brother and uncle, respectively, Charles Spaulding, as he was sworn-in as chief fire marshal in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. less

Jackie Spaulding, left, and Justis Lewis, right, clap during the ceremony for their brother and uncle, respectively, Charles Spaulding, as he was sworn-in as chief fire marshal in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday, ... more

STAMFORD --A 34-year fire veteran, Charles Spaulding, has been appointed the city's new chief fire marshal.

He takes over for Barry Callahan, who served as chief fire marshal for 29 years before retiring in May.

"I am deeply grateful and honored to serve the City of Stamford in this capacity," said Spaulding, 58.

Possibly alluding to the 2011 Christmas Day fire on Shippan Avenue that claimed the lives of Madonna Badger's daughters, 9-year-old Lily and 7-year-old twins Sarah and Grace, as well as her mother and father Pauline and Lomer Johnson, Spaulding acknowledged some fire losses in the city.

But he assured those present for his Wednesday morning swearing in ceremony in Mayor Michael Pavia's 10th floor office at the Government Center that the fire, health and zoning departments protect Stamford citizens from similar disasters.

"What we do as a city that works assures that there are countless lives saved, enabling people to survive when they meet up with those challenges," he said.

Pavia expressed strong confidence in Spaulding.

"All of us know Charles Spaulding and when I say good people, he really exemplifies the meaning of a good person," the mayor said. "You make people proud and you are very respectful, and it goes a long way to express who you are in the city of Stamford."

Chief Antonio Conte remembered when he and Spaulding were working a third-story fire and, while climbing a ladder, Spaulding grabbed him from behind and told him stop.

"You have children. Let me go first." Conte remembered him saying.

Conte said he continued on through the window and as he crawled through the dark smoke, Spaulding grabbed him again before he nearly fell three stories to his death.

"I have the utmost respect and gratitude for this young man, and I know he will do a great job as fire marshal," Conte said.

Public Safety Director Ted Jankowski said he had faith that Spaulding will do his new job well.

"With this honor comes a great responsibility to the members of the Stamford fire department and the residents of the city of Stamford ... I have the utmost confidence that you will be able to perform your duties to the best of your abilities and provide the highest quality of service to protect and serve," he said.

Callahan, who had 40 years with the department before retiring, said fire commissioners made an "excellent choice" in appointing Spaulding.

"Charles' reputation speaks for itself, and I am very happy for him and he will do well in his endeavor as chief fire marshal," he said.

Standing by watching the ceremony was Spaulding's wife of 24 years, Camille.

"The thing that stands our about Charles is that he lives the same on his job and at his home. He is actually the most honorable man I know," she said. "He works hard and hasn't taken a sick day in I don't know how long. He loves the fire department and the people of Stamford. This will be a labor of love for him."